Medicine and Health Sciences Commons^™

The Effectiveness Of Heart Rate Variability Biofeedback In Conjunction With Traditional Treatment For Thoracic Outlet Syndrome In A 25-Year-Old Female: A Case Report, Sepehr Rezaei

San Marcos, Summer 2020

Introduction: Thoracic outlet syndrome (TOS) is a complex condition that causes pain, tingling sensation, hypesthesia, muscle atrophy, weakness, and edematous changes in the upper quadrant (UQ) and down upper extremity (UE). ^3,7,8,16,17 TOS is due to compression of neurovascular bundles in the interscalene triangle, costoclavicular space, and under pectoralis minor and caused by trauma, congenital malformations such as a cervical rib, and abnormal/poor postures from muscle imbalances.^3,7,8,16,17 Interventions for TOS can consist of correcting posture by addressing muscle imbalance, decreasing tone and muscle tightness and rib mobilization, and in rare cases, rib resection. ^{3,7,8,13,16,17} However, there is limited research …

Use Of Marijuana In Those With Anxiety And Depression, Heather Flaa

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

The purpose of this research and literature review was to compare the use of marijuana to SSRIs in reducing anxiety and depression symptoms.

• This literature review searched databases Cochrane, PubMed, Clinical Key, PsycINFO, and DynaMed Plus from the year 1990 and on. Keywords: cannabis, marijuana, anxiety, generalized anxiety disorder, depression, and selective serotonin reuptake inhibitors.

• Many meta-analyses show SSRIs continue to be first line treatment in those with anxiety and depression in reducing symptoms.

• Patients with marijuana use showed an increased odds ratio of developing anxiety and depression or increasing symptoms in several studies.

• No studies …

The Gut-Brain Axis: Treating Depression Through Microbiome Alterations, Alexandria Bachman-Williams

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

• The purpose of this study is to explore the role of gut microbiome alterations in the treatment of anxiety and depression. • There are multiple pathological pathways that lead to the development of anxiety and depression. • Research shows a link between pathologic bacteria and low grade inflammation. This causes a disruption of neurotransmitters that are current targets of pharmacological treatment of depression and anxiety. • Transfer of “pathogenic” bacteria caused increased symptoms of anxiety and depression. • Treatment with probiotics and “protective” bacteria showed decreased BDI scores and improved symptoms. • Studies were small but show need for …

Resource To Address Pandemic-Related Anxiety And Depression For Pregnant Patients In Vermont, Mohammed Wali

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

The 2019 novel coronavirus (COVID-19) has led to patient deaths, strained health care systems, and economic uncertainty. Distress during pregnancy can lead to adverse outcomes for both parent and baby. A patient-friendly handout was created for pregnant patients to offer reassurance, incorporate mind-body recommendations to address stress, and offer screening tools to empower them to address mood concerns with their obstetric providers in the COVID-era.

Implementing An Educational Resource On Cannabidiol (Cbd) For Patients In Western Connecticut, Michael H. Weber

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

An educational handout on cannabidiol (CBD) was created and implemented into a family medicine practice in Western Connecticut. The handout described the basics of CBD including production, legality status in Connecticut, efficacy in treating certain conditions, and consumer considerations when purchasing CBD.

Coping Skills For Daily Life: Cost-Effective Strategies To Prevent And Address Mental Health Disorders, Shae Ian Rowlandson

Family Medicine Clerkship Student Projects

Mental health disorders, along with their associated cost and negative outcomes, have continued to persist in Vermont and have become one of the largest, growing challenges to public health in the United States. Unfortunately, Vermont does not appear to have enough resources or providers to optimally address it. Concurrently, coping strategies of minimal cost that have the potential to prevent or address mental health disorders may often be underutilized or misconstrued by the population. A pamphlet providing information on evidenced, cost-effective coping strategies was designed and distributed to providers and patients to enable patients with the skills to help themselves …

Analysis Of Tech-Based And Telemental Health Approaches Within The Adolescent And Young Adult Populations Of Rural America, Audrey K. Smeenk

Physician Assistant Scholarly Project Posters

The incidences of depression and anxiety among adolescent and young adult populations are intensifying, and resources remain limited for the management of these diseases within rural America.

• Evaluation on different interventions was completed to assess ease of access, efficacy, and patient adherence with the hope to decrease incidence of disease and increase availability of resources to rural areas.

• Based on the current completed research, there is a predominance of evidence that has shown moderate statistical data and promising outcomes from tech-based mobile applications and telemental health. Statistical evidence supports that technological based interventions are a potential treatment option …